Stress-management for students (and teachers): activities to reduce stress (new ideas each week!)

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@Ana_moderator said in Stress-management for students (and teachers): activities to reduce stress (new ideas each week!):

n this topic I invite you to explore existing activities and teaching instruments to reduce stress in the classroom

What do you use and what is really working?
n the classroom, various activities and teaching instruments can effectively reduce stress among students. Here are some approaches that educators commonly use and find effective:

Mindfulness Exercises: Activities like mindful breathing, guided meditation, and body scans help students center themselves, manage emotions, and improve focus.

Physical Movement: Incorporating short breaks for stretching, yoga, or even brief walks can help release physical tension and boost mood.

Art and Creative Expression: Providing opportunities for art therapy, creative writing, or music activities allows students to express themselves creatively and relax.

Positive Affirmations and Gratitude Practices: Encouraging students to practice gratitude journaling or affirmations fosters a positive mindset and reduces anxiety.

Technology-Assisted Relaxation: Using apps or online resources for guided relaxation, calming music, or virtual nature experiences can aid in stress reduction.

Classroom Environment: Creating a calming atmosphere with comfortable seating, natural lighting, and soothing colors can contribute to a relaxed learning environment.

Supportive Classroom Culture: Establishing a culture of respect, empathy, and support among students helps reduce stress and encourages open communication.

Mindful Eating: Promoting healthy eating habits and mindful eating practices during snack or lunch breaks can positively impact students' overall well-being

@Ana_moderator Thank you for sharing such interesting activities, I will definitely use them during my lessons.
I would like to share my experience with my colleagues. I usually use "Blob Tree" with " 3 Ws and 1H". I show my students the tree, they choose the figure that best describes their feelings after which they do the activity with " 3Ws and 1H" answering the following questions: 1.Why did I choose that particular figure? 2. What makes me feel that way? 3. What should I do to get to another figure? 4. How can I get to my goal?
Below I put the activity.

Re: Stress-management for students (and teachers): activities to reduce stress (new ideas each week!)

Managing stress is crucial for both students and teachers to maintain a healthy and productive learning environment. Here are some stress management activities tailored for both groups:
for students:
Physical Exercise:
Activity: yoga classes, sports, or simple stretching exercises during breaks.
Benefit: Physical activity releases endorphins, improves mood, and reduces stress.

Creative Arts:
Activity: drawing, painting, music, or creative writing sessions.
Benefit: Provides an emotional outlet and a way to express feelings creatively.

Breathing Exercises:
Activity: teaching deep breathing techniques or holding guided breathing sessions.
Benefit: It helps calm the nervous system and reduces immediate feelings of stress.

Time Management Workshops:
Activity: Sessions on prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and using planners.
Benefit: It helps students feel more in control and reduces the overwhelm of academic pressures.

Peer Support Groups:
Activity: Forming study groups or discussion circles where students can share their concerns.
Benefit: Promotes a sense of community and mutual support.

For Teachers:
Professional Development on Stress Management:
Activity: Workshops and seminars on techniques to manage stress and prevent burnout.
Benefit: Provides teachers with strategies to handle their workload and stress more effectively.

Peer Support and Mentoring:
Activity: Establishing mentoring programs or regular support group meetings.
Benefit: Allows teachers to share experiences, solutions, and emotional support.

Physical Wellness Programs:
Activity: access to fitness classes, gym memberships, or walking clubs.
Benefit: Encourages physical health, which directly impacts mental well-being.

Break and Relaxation Spaces:
Activity: Creating quiet, comfortable spaces for teachers to relax during breaks.
Benefit: Provides a place to decompress and recharge during the school day.

Time Management and Organization Workshops:
Activity: Training on effective classroom management, lesson planning, and grading strategies.
Benefit: It helps reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed by improving efficiency.

Access to Counseling Services:
Activity: Providing easy access to professional counseling and mental health services.
Benefit: Offers a confidential space to discuss stress and seek professional help if needed.
Joint Activities for Students and Teachers:

Community Building Events:
Activity: organizing school-wide events like picnics, sports days, or talent shows.
Benefit: It strengthens the sense of community and provides a break from routine stressors.

Wellness Challenges:
Activity: Creating wellness challenges that encourage healthy habits, such as drinking more water or walking a certain number of steps daily.
Benefit: Promotes healthy competition and collective well-being.

Workshops on Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
Activity: Sessions on nutrition, sleep hygiene, and the importance of regular physical activity.
Benefit: It educates both students and teachers on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for stress management.
Incorporating these activities can create a more supportive and stress-free environment for both students and teachers, enhancing overall well-being and productivity.

Stressed or anxious
Finds it hard to stop thinking about work/ teaching.
Already appreciating.
I have been taking lots of walks in nature during my trip to Al Manzar indus river of Sindh and practising guided meditation whilst walking in the form of a Nature Break

Hello colleague
Switching off during the summer can be challenging, but you can make it easier by creating a loose routine that includes outdoor activities, hobbies, and physical exercise. Disconnecting from work, setting achievable goals, and practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress. Limit screen time, especially on social media, and spend quality time with loved ones. Short getaways or staycations can also provide a refreshing change of scenery.
Best regards from Tunisia
Chokri

@Burfatmukhtiar Great. Concerning meditation,do you practice it inside classes? If so,how